Jul 2, 20201 min read

How to Manage Emotions

Updated: Oct 20, 2020

When you are feeling stressed and anxious, it is easy to let your mind start spinning out of control. When this happens you are unable to focus, and your body goes into fight or flight mode.

Try this visualization exercise to put your brain on time out.

1. Stop

As soon as you recognize you’re overreacting, spinning out of control, or feeling that red-hot anger coming… STOP and close your eyes. Picture a stop sign in your head and think, "STOP IT!" This gives you time to pause before reacting.

2. Adjust the Volume

Take a deep breath (or 5-10) and picture lowering the volume on a dial.

3. Change the Channel

Find something you can easily focus on or do anywhere when you’re feeling out of control and/or angry. Listen to a soothing song, repeat a mantra, or do something physical that helps you “reset your mind.”

Have a song, playlist, quote, or activity you can access from anywhere at anytime. Use it like an emergency lever you can pull when your mind starts spinning into negative emotions like anger, sadness, or jealousy. It will disrupt your thoughts and reset your mood.

Click Here to Download a Printable Worksheet